Save the date - Christmas Speakeasy

Christmas Speakeasy

7:30pm-late, One Church, 14 December - Brighton

What’s happening?

Dapper up to celebrate the return of the Twenties at our Christmas Speakeasy! Swivel across the dance floor with our DJ and enjoy our ‘Performance Show’ where our fantastic students get to be the stars of the night in their end of year performance. Ragtime Rascals, Our fun-time flappers, will also be there to entertain you and help you pick up the steps on the dance floor.

Who’s Performing?

You! This is your chance to take centre stage as all students who take part in the final course of the year can perform their end of year dance. This is a great chance to invite friends and family who can see what you have been up to in the studio and just enjoy dancing in an relaxed and supportive environment. Performing is not compulsory but we do encourage you to dress-up and to give it a go! Book onto the November course here

Our fantastic all female dance troupe of flappers, Ragtime Rascals, are also rustling up a brand new routine to debut at the party! whilst Fiona and Elena will also be putting together a teachers number. Take a peak at their last duet at Brighton Spiegeltent.

What should I wear?

Don your pearls and braces and step into the Christmas Speakeasy for an evening of Hot Jazz, decadent dance and outstanding performances. Think Bright Young Things and Great Gatsby! Embrace your inner Louise Brooks, Josephine Baker and Coco Channel. Tassels, furs and sequins are a must. It’s Christmas, so the more sparkle the better. If you need tips on hair and make-up check out our blog piece on how to get the 1920s look.

Where can I get an outfit from? See below our recommendations

Dresses

Shoes

extra bits

Where is it?

The Christmas Speakeasy will be taking place at One Church, Gloucester Pl, Brighton BN1 4AA

 

Where can I get a ticket?

Tickets are £12 in advance or £15 on the door but tickets are limited so book in advance to avoid missing out.

Can I request a song?

Absolutely! We are creating a Stick on Playlist so if there is a song that you would love to dance to in keeping with the era (No Spice Girls please) then add it to the list below and see look forward to seeing you there!

MOVE IT 2019

MOVE IT is the world’s biggest dance event, celebrating all forms of dance and the performing arts across three amazing days. Big names in the dance world grace the stage at the Excel London every year and 2019 was no exception. This years headliners included Strictly Come Dancing power couple Neil and Katya Jones, JLS frontman Aston Merrygold and Greatest Dancer winner Ellie Ferguson. Needless to say that once we had been accepted to perform on the Main Stage and teach at this years show I felt excited, nervous, honoured and a bit sick…

Move it 2019 - Main Stage

When you are dancing and sharing a stage alongside the hottest artists and talent in the UK we had to pull out all the stops. Planning started back in December with Fiona and our dance captain Rachel on what our show stopping performance was going to be. After hours of brain storming we chose the song ‘Hold that Tiger’ by the California Feetwarmers and put together a circus themed routine: The Ringmaster and her Tigers. 

Over the next 9 weeks the team worked endlessly on every little detail on the performance. Rachel put together a fantastic routine and our 12 piece troupe worked extra hours in bringing it together. Alongside of this everyone chipped in on the finer details. One afternoon Elena and dance troupe member Mila spent 6 hours preparing the dresses and making 22 tiger ears! Another dancer, Serafine, was awake until 1.30am the night before sewing the ringmasters costume whilst Rachel spent the day painting a barrel to turn into a podium. These may seem like small things to worry about but all the small details bring the performance together. Alongside of music, there is also the logistics, the extra studio bookings, the music that needs cutting, the transport to get there and the hair and make-up which needs to uniformed.

Fiona Ring and Elena Collins at MOVE IT 2019

The energy on the day was electric however the team were controlled, prepared and pulled out what we consider one of our best performances to date. Our number was between the Greatest Dancer finalists and we delighted by the crowds energy and enthusiasm for us on stage. We were the only Charleston act there, nearly everything else was contemporary or street so we felt we brought something totally different to the stage. We were properly also the oldest dancers there, most performers where bendy 16 year olds auditioning for stage school but we felt proud to show that dance is for everyone regardless of age… and how unbendy you are!

After the performance I felt quite emotional. I am so proud of our dancers and of how far our team have come together. Fiona, Rachel and I started working together 5 years ago and I never dreamed that MyCharleston would be on the Main Stage of MOVE IT. It really was a dream come true… and to top it off we even got a snap with Neil and Katya from Strictly!

Rachel teaching at Move it 2019

Rachel and Elena with the Strictly Come Dancing Pros.

After the performance we taught a sold out workshop which was a master class in Charleston where Portsmouth and Ryde teacher Mel joined us. It was great fun and a privilege to be the only people teaching Charleston over the whole weekend. 

Our video from the performance will be released soon so keep an eye our for the final video! 

Elena

The Ring Master and her Tigers. MyCharleston dance troupe at Move It 2019.

Everything you need to know for our 1920s Afternoon Tea

This weekend we are hosting 1920s Afternoon Tea at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, and because it's just around the corner we wanted to share with you everything you need to know including how to get the 1920s look to what’s on the menu.

First thing to remember, this is not just a regular Afternoon Tea. Throughout the afternoon we have Sam and the Jazz Cats who be playing our favourite Charleston tunes so we can dance the afternoon away. we will be running mini Charleston lessons where you can learn the basic steps and Our MyCharleston dance troupe is also going to perform for you.

If you have not seen the menu yet, take a peak at what is in store. Veggie and vegan options are also available:

What to wear

As this is a 1920s themed Afternoon Tea we would love to see you dressed up in the 1920s style. So we have put together a short 1920s fashion guide.

Women
Fancy 1920s dresses were sleeveless, shapeless, ankle to knee length slip gowns accented with beading, sequins, fringe, and some feathers. Rich jewel tones and soft pastels made the simplest of gowns look expensive. Top it your outfit off with some lavish accessories, such as a diamond tiara or headband, silk shawl, feather fan, long pearl necklace, and gold arm bangles, and you will look like silent movie stars!

Outfits from our past 1920s Afternoon Tea

1920s fashion inspiration from our past 1920s Afternoon Tea

Men
Men found relief in slightly more comfortable dinner jackets (tuxedos) instead of stuffy tailcoats. Many men cast off formal attire all-together and embraced the colourful life of striped suits, flashy neckties, Homburg hats, and gold capped walking sticks.

Hair and Make-up
If you want the complete 1920s look you can have a look at our blog, which we recently wrote, or head over to our Pinterest Board to find some inspiration.

Click here for the hair and make-up blog.

Seating Plan

Our tables are cabaret style which seat six.

Directions

 

The event starts at 1.30 pm on the 24 Nov at the Hilton Brighton Metropole, Kings Rd, Brighton BN1 2FU which is on the Seafront in between of the i360 and the cinema ODEON.

We will be dancing in the Clarence Suite, a converted Chapel from 1819, within the hotel.

If you are planning on coming by car, there are plenty of car parks around such as the Regency Square Car Park (4-minute walk to our venue) or the Churchill Square Car Park (3-minute walk to the venue).

Or you could come to the Afternoon Tea with the bus number 77 which has a stop directly at the i360, called British Airways i360. From the stop to the Hilton Brighton Metropole it is just a one minute walk.

If you now want to book for our Afternoon Tea just follow the link below.

Giving back to the community

Dance in Brighton is about to boom, with a dedicated dance space being created in what used to be the Old Market, Circus Street. With cranes already dominating the skyline, South East Dance are working hard to engage people from the local Tarner community through The Welcome Project, their 3 year programme of dance activity in the lead up to the opening of The Dance Space.

Tarner is a little known and historically under-privileged area tucked between the Amex building, Planet India and the Setting Sun pub. So MyCharleston boldly went where no Charleston teachers have gone to before: The Brighton unemployed families project to surprise them with a pop-up Charleston dance class.

We had no idea how well our gorilla tactics would go down, especially as it was straight after lunch! But as people began to finish eating, we introduced ourselves and to our delight everyone stood up when requested. The group seemed genuinely happy to give Charleston a go and you can’t ask for more than that.

I don’t know if it’s down to the music or the dance but there is something about Charleston that always seems to put a smile on people’s faces. We had entered the building feeling very nervous and left with that life affirming feeling, everyone had been welcoming and enthusiastic. As to there dancing abilities, we were super impressed! not only did they master the Charleston, they even learnt a short routine, which they danced with energy and style.

Charleston is such a happy dance and it’s easy for beginners to pick-up. Over the years students have told us how dance has helped them with anxiety, confidence and social interaction. I know I am evangelical about the power of dance but I really believe this project by South East dance will bring a real gift to the Tarner community.

The Great Gatsby Fair takes on Bexhill this Summer

After much upset that the Bexhill Roaring 20s festival will not be running this year, Sharon Blagrove, Event Director of Bentley Fairs, has salvaged the beloved 1920s event by putting a new vintage weekender with a twist for 2018.

'My first thought was how everyone in the town, and those that look forward to it and visit from far and wide would miss this huge event. I decided to step up and put my own event on which ironically was being planned for another seaside location,  but with the title The Great Gatsby Fair it seemed destined for Bexhill after all, and just at the right time' 

The event is held along Bexhill seafront from the Metropole Lawns to East Parade and this years’ event will be over the whole weekend. A big celebration of the 1920's era, of people in period vintage costumes and all the song and dance acts that go with it.

There's something for everyone, with children's entertainment from 10-1 both days and nonstop music on the seafront with Morris dancers, Ukulele players, Dance school productions, Singers, jazz bands, Dixieland bands 40's singers, Dance troupes, competitions for fancy dress and Charleston dances. The Highland piper will play outside the Bexhill Sailing Club at 1.15 signalling the start of the procession towardsThe Metropole Lawns at the De la Warr Pavilion where there are ticketed afternoon parties from 2pm both days. 

Saturday 2pm-5.30pm is The Charleston Party.  Savoy Kicks will lead the way with a Charleston lesson on stage followed by a competition to find the best Charleston dancers who will win cash prizes. The Roaring 20's Orchestra will play and there are fancy dress competitions Bonnie and Clyde (with under 16'sentries too) The Best Dressed Lady and Best Dressed Gent.

Saturday evening entertainment in the large marquee with Swing and Blues bands a bar and food from 7 pm -10.30 pm Sunday Its Peaky Blinders Retro Party with fancy dress and cash prizes for the best Guys and Dolls(with under 16s entries too) and Best Dressed lady and Gent.40's singer Pete Wayre and dancing from 2-5.30. to The Hastings Stompers Jazz group & The Swing Street Orchestra Pop Up Vintage London will curate a fabulous Vintage Fair, and Food and Drink will be brought in courtesy of Food Feast South East.

It is advisable to get your tickets early for the parties. Only Adults need tickets Under 16s go in free. Go to www.thegreatgatsbyfair.co.uk

Chai and Charleston - 1920s Afternoon Tea

Last Saturday, we grabbed our pearls and dusted down your flapper gowns as we headed off to The Hilton Brighton Metropole and stepped back in time to relive the glamour of the Roaring Twenties. On 24 February, we hosted our first decadent Saturday afternoon consisting of delicious afternoon tea, Charleston lessons, feisty flappers and a live jazz band.

This afternoon tea with a 1920s twist came with plenty of tea, cake and dancing. Live music  was from the Soultastics, and Charleston entertainment had our guests swivelling across the dance floor in no time.

Due to the success of the Afternoon Tea we will now we hosting them regularly and have four more in the diary which will be taking place in June, September and a Christmas special so keep an eye of the website for the official date announcements.

Goodwood Vintage Revival

When you run a vintage business, you might think the last thing you want to do with your day off is go to a vintage event, but not me! I’ve heard of Goodwood Revival and this year I finally went with a group of friends.

We had all carefully planned our outfits but when it came to the festival itself no one knew what to expect. Surprisingly, a lot of people still seem to be in the dark about Goodwood Revival, so here is my guide to this event.

Central to the day is the car racing, but if the idea of vintage cars revving their engines and doing laps doesn’t appeal, don’t worry there’s lots more to do and see. 

Our day started in the Butlins tent, which we’d ducked into to shelter from the rain. All the staff were dressed in 1950s Butlins uniforms and they had a roller disco with skates which were free to hire. We popped them on and soon discovered that our skating skills had somewhat diminished since we were twelve years old!

We then went for a wander, admiring as we went the wonderful vintage outfits on display. If you’re thinking of going then you should know this is most definitely a dress-up event. On display were the full range of vintage styles, from land-girls (very practical for that days weather) to sixties chic and some super stylish 30s, 40s and 50s inspired outfits. A quick stop for the loo (and it was quick, the facilities were spotless and we felt extra happy to see the men queuing while the women didn’t have to wait!), then we crossed over the bridge into the main site.

Now none of us our petrol heads but the array of vintage vehicles had us all oohing and posing for pictures by these fabulous old cars. We then found an area with live music by a wonderful band called the The Class of 58  they are a family outfit and really got the crowd going with songs like Hand Jive.

More wandering took us to the fabulous Betty’s Vintage Hair and Beauty Salon where you can get your vintage makeover.  The vibe was so friendly; when my sister used the mirror to fix her hair one of the ladies offered to style her for free!

The whole day was full of similar friendly encounters and if I were to rate this festival on friendliness it was a definite 10 out of 10. Other activities on offer were dance classes in swing and jive, fairground rides (all included in the price of your ticket) and a fashion show that was brilliantly staged with dance, projections and of course amazing outfits.

After a fun-packed day we took the free shuttle bus back to Chichester station and met even more lovely people on the journey.  So we had a final drink with our newfound friends (a group of BA pilots no less) before catching the train home. All in all a great day out and excellent value for money.

Fiona 

Strictly Charleston Raises Over £750

Thank you to everyone who attended The I Charleston Brighton Speakeasy which kicked started the opening weekend of Brighton Fringe at the Spiegeltent. We're chuffed that we raised over £750 for Whoopsadaisy, Sussex based Charity helping children with cerebral palsy, through the Strictly Come Dance-style Charleston Competition. Watch our film about the competition here

In partnership with The Hilton Brighton Metropole, I Charleston Brighton trained three members of staff from the hotel over the past month in preparation of the event. The 3 women, Elizabeth, Agne and Agata were paired with a dancer from Savoy Kicks and braved the dance floor to compete to win votes from the audience to raise money as well as setting up their own JustGiving page

Agata was crowned the 2017 winner. You can see all three full routines here.

The three-hour immersive Charleston dance afternoon included also comparing from Dawn Gracie as well as workshops and performances by Savoy Kicks accompanied by live music from The Soultastics and DJ Basschimp along with the Mighty Dance-off!  

View photos

Thank you so much to everyone who has supported this event including all of our sponsors and we can't wait to return next year. 

One Week Until The Speakeasy

With only a week to go until the I Charleston Brighton Speakeasy I wanted to remind you on what a fantastic line-up we have this year. Our 3 hour immersive dance event includes:

• Pop-up Charleston Dance Lessons

• Dance Displays by Savoy Kicks

• Live music from Soultastics

• DJing from Basschimp

• Compering by Dawn Gracie

We also have our fantastic dance-off where you can take to the floor to compete for £150 shopping voucher at Simon Carter. And if that is not another for you we have three brave ladies from the Hilton Brighton Metropole competing in our Strictly Come Dancing Style competition where we are raising money for Whoopsadaisy and crowning this year’s winner. This is the only event in Brighton Fringe exclusively focused on Charleston dancing so I very much hope you can make it. Tickets can be booked here: www.tinyurl.com/icbspeakeasy See you on the dancefloor!Write here…